Subaru Baja 2006

Model Baja made in 2006 by Subaru got 13 consumer complains, 7 investigations there is 1 recall as well as 5 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to engine and engine cooling, power train and service brakes, air. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, tires and visibility. The car had one investigation (fuel system, gasoline). There was one recall concerning fuel system, gasoline . The car has 2 modeles with engines 2.5, 2.5 turbo.

Model 2006

Engine [L]CylindersTransmissionDriveEstimate MPG (city/highway/combined)Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined)FuelFuel costClassRelease date
2.5 4Lockup/automatic, 4 gears421/28/2423.7/35.4/27.8407Regular1376SPEC PURP VEH - S.U.V. - 4WD
2.5 Turbo 4Manual, 5 gears419/25/2121.1238/32.171/24.9846Premium1714SPEC PURP VEH - S.U.V. - 4WD
2.5 4Manual, 5 gears423/28/2525.0741/36.0858/29.0653Regular1320SPEC PURP VEH - S.U.V. - 4WD
2.5 Turbo 4Semiautomatic, 4 gears418/23/2020.5/29.5/23.7623Premium1800SPEC PURP VEH - S.U.V. - 4WD

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
09V277000SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.from 03/16/2004 to 04/18/2006V (Vehicle)1563310/23/2009ODISUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.07/17/200907/17/2009
Defect SummarySubaru is recalling 15,633 my 2005-2006 baja vehicles. cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection on the outlet pressure side of the fuel pump.
Consequence SummaryFuel can leak from the hose connection. a fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the fuel pump bracket including all nipples with a new and stronger design part. this service will be performed free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during september 2009. owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
NotesSubaru recall no. wvj-20.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
0906/07/200610020125Engine cooling system flush and refill. *tt07/24/2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
0202/01/200610019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. subaru. *tt03/09/2006
TIRES
SB-05-50-10R02/03/201110037968Ready06/08/2011
SB-05-50-10R02/03/201110037968Subaru: there is a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance. *rm06/08/2011
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR
12940610/03/200610020532Loose door mirror screws. *kb11/13/2006

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
EA09007SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.05/21/200907/20/2009FUEL PUMP LEAKS09V277000
 Subaru will conduct a safety recall (09v-277) on all 15, 633 model year (my) 2005 and my 2006 baja vehicles, including turbo and non-turbo models.subaru has identified a defect in which cracks develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in a pressurized leak of gasoline from the fuel pump.subaru's analysis of sample parts collected from the field confirmed the issue to be limited to my 2005 and my 2006 vehicles only.subaru dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket, including all nipples, with a version that has been modified for increased strength.please see subaru's defect report in the recall file (09v-277) for more details.this investigation is closed.
PE08064SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.11/14/200805/21/2009FUEL PUMP LEAK
 Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in the leakage of gasoline from the fuel pump.as a result of additional reports and other information provided by subaru in response to the agency's investigation, this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea 09-007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY
PE08064SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.11/14/200805/21/2009FUEL PUMP LEAK
 Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in the leakage of gasoline from the fuel pump.as a result of additional reports and other information provided by subaru in response to the agency's investigation, this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea 09-007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
EA09007SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.05/21/200907/20/2009FUEL PUMP LEAKS09V277000
 Subaru will conduct a safety recall (09v-277) on all 15, 633 model year (my) 2005 and my 2006 baja vehicles, including turbo and non-turbo models.subaru has identified a defect in which cracks develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in a pressurized leak of gasoline from the fuel pump.subaru's analysis of sample parts collected from the field confirmed the issue to be limited to my 2005 and my 2006 vehicles only.subaru dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket, including all nipples, with a version that has been modified for increased strength.please see subaru's defect report in the recall file (09v-277) for more details.this investigation is closed.
PE08064SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.11/14/200805/21/2009FUEL PUMP LEAK
 Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in the leakage of gasoline from the fuel pump.as a result of additional reports and other information provided by subaru in response to the agency's investigation, this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea 09-007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
EA09007SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.05/21/200907/20/2009FUEL PUMP LEAKS09V277000
 Subaru will conduct a safety recall (09v-277) on all 15, 633 model year (my) 2005 and my 2006 baja vehicles, including turbo and non-turbo models.subaru has identified a defect in which cracks develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in a pressurized leak of gasoline from the fuel pump.subaru's analysis of sample parts collected from the field confirmed the issue to be limited to my 2005 and my 2006 vehicles only.subaru dealers will replace the fuel pump bracket, including all nipples, with a version that has been modified for increased strength.please see subaru's defect report in the recall file (09v-277) for more details.this investigation is closed.
PE08064SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.11/14/200805/21/2009FUEL PUMP LEAK
 Cracks may develop in the fuel hose connection (nipple) on the outlet (pressure) side of the fuel pump.this condition can result in the leakage of gasoline from the fuel pump.as a result of additional reports and other information provided by subaru in response to the agency's investigation, this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea 09-007.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11/20/2006707710/23/2006
 2006 subaru baja turbo with several problems including lunging forward and randomly sputtering and hesitating.. consumer states that the problems began when the vehicle had 707 miles and have continued. *kb the consumer stated on one occasion, there was no throttle response. somtimes the vehicle would idle high and the check engine light would frequently come on and stay on. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
08/22/200858540103/01/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 subaru baja. while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost all power and shut off. the vehicle has been to the dealer three times for the failure. during the first visit, the failure could not be diagnosed. the mechanic eventually stated that the accelerator relay switch failed. the vehicle has shut off 25 times since it was purchased. the manufacturer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 58,540. updated 09/10/08 *bf updated 09/17/08. *jb
12/19/200616992105/09/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 subaru baja. the engine knocks when the vehicle is started. the dealer replaced two pistons, but the failure still exists. the manufacturer stated that the failure is normal. the failure mileage was 16,992 and current mileage was 34,000.
POWER TRAIN
11/20/2006707710/23/2006
 2006 subaru baja turbo with several problems including lunging forward and randomly sputtering and hesitating.. consumer states that the problems began when the vehicle had 707 miles and have continued. *kb the consumer stated on one occasion, there was no throttle response. somtimes the vehicle would idle high and the check engine light would frequently come on and stay on. *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
12/20/200719700102/20/2006
 Rusted brakes. the rear rotors are pitted and need to be exchanged, according to the dealer, after 22 months and 19,800 miles. no warranty, dealer sees this as normal wear. according to other authorized repair shop, brakes are fine, shoes still at 50 %, brakes do not need replacement. never had a car with rust pitted rotors before, especially not with such low mileage and age.*cn
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
12/22/200719700102/21/2006
 1. rear rotors where pitted after 22 months, front rotors were blue. this was documented on 12/20/07. brake failure resulted in car crash two days later. *tr
STEERING
02/16/2006157410/21/2005
 We bought a 2006 baja in early october for cash. this car had 157 miles when we left the bill mcbride dealer ship in plattsburgh, ny. we have had a problem with the car pulling to the right since the beginning. we have brought the car back 4 times to have it fixed. they have done 3 alignments, rotated the tires 2 times and replaced 1 tire. this vehicle still pulls to the right. on 3rd alignment the dealership refused to produce a receipt for the alignment and stated the reason was there was no charge for the alignment. all receipts state vehicle pulls to right. dealership can't seem to find the problem and we are not sure what our next step should be to correct this problem. *nm
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
01/05/2008110001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 subaru baja. while making a turn at 10 mph, the front passenger side tie rod failed. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been inspected by a mechanic. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 11,000.
STRUCTURE
11/09/20067500105/25/2006
 While driving a subaru baja 2006 model i swerved and rolled over after fish tailing. i also almost did the same in a 2005 model but only came up off two wheels but did not roll it , even though it was close. i suspect a tendency for the baja to roll over is a design flaw. *nm
SUSPENSION
11/09/20067500105/25/2006
 While driving a subaru baja 2006 model i swerved and rolled over after fish tailing. i also almost did the same in a 2005 model but only came up off two wheels but did not roll it , even though it was close. i suspect a tendency for the baja to roll over is a design flaw. *nm
02/16/2006157410/21/2005
 We bought a 2006 baja in early october for cash. this car had 157 miles when we left the bill mcbride dealer ship in plattsburgh, ny. we have had a problem with the car pulling to the right since the beginning. we have brought the car back 4 times to have it fixed. they have done 3 alignments, rotated the tires 2 times and replaced 1 tire. this vehicle still pulls to the right. on 3rd alignment the dealership refused to produce a receipt for the alignment and stated the reason was there was no charge for the alignment. all receipts state vehicle pulls to right. dealership can't seem to find the problem and we are not sure what our next step should be to correct this problem. *nm
TIRES
03/16/20075400109/14/2006
 On march 16th 2007 i was driving from my home in fort myers florida to a business meeting in clearwater florida. i was driving on interstate 75 going north. i was approximately a quarter of a mile from the skyway bridge. since this is a toll bridge i was decreasing in speed getting ready to make a stop, at that time, there was a loud explosion and before i could think i was beginning to lose control of the car. the explosion or implosion was the rear driver side tire completely came off the rim of the car. this sent me into a tail spin trying to control the car at which time the car came up on two wheels. i then proceeded into the ditch and was able to stop the car. i then called roadside assistance which the tow truck driver stated he never saw anything like this. we were able to get a spare tire on the car so that i could drive to a tire shop to have the tire replaced. this was a nightmare to say the least. i first called the dealership since i happened to purchase the car from a dealership in which my business meeting was being held. the car dealership mastro motors stated that they do not keep tires in stock. i explained this care almost killed me and the response was that i purchased tire insurance to call them. i then called subrau only to be told that they do not warranty the tires and that i would have to call bridgestone. i then called bridgestone and they were not able to help me find an athorized service center. i then found a firestone tire outlet in which after driving around all weekend on a spare tire were finally able to get the correct tire for my car and replace it. i now have the tire that exploded on in my possesion as proof that this tire is clearly a defect as i have not owned my car more that six months. i purchased this car new and it has about 5400 miles total on the car. at this time i do not feel safe with the tires on this car. *ak
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11/20/20067078
 My vehicle is currently in the shop for the 8th time for the same problem. each time a different part or parts were replaced and each time the dealer stated that the car was fixed but the same behavior would come back, sometimes within a week or sometimes many months after the repair. there is no rhyme or reason as to when it happens (ie. nothing leads up to it happening) but basically, it hesitates and sputters or lunges forward while you are accelerating. it's as if the acceleration just drops out but then comes back or accelerates and then backs off again. sometimes it is subtle; sometimes it hesitates or accelerates violently. i have spoken to the manufacturer several times about this problem. they have extended my warranty for free and also provide me with a loaner car when it is in for service as a sign of good will, but it is obvious that this car is dangerous. i am seriously afraid that eventually i will be hit from behind when it hesitates or hit someone from behind when it accelerates unexpectedly. i'm not sure the car is even able to be fixed considering they have been trying to repair it for 2 years now. dates of service are 11/20/06, 12/3/06, 2/12/07, 2/21/07, 3/8/07, 3/8/08, 7/22/08 and 11/8/08 (the dealer still has it as of today, 12/9/08). days out of service is approx. 82 so far. i don't know if the old parts are available as the dealer has kept all of those; i do have service records for each time at the dealer for repairs and what was done each time. i am also currently dealing with a regional rep from subaru who never returns my calls. i've owned one other subaru and only had minor and ordinarily problems with that car. subaru needs to step up and do the right thing by getting this dangerous car off the road. *tr

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
CATHOUSAND OAKSSUBARU OF THOOUSAND OAKS
FLTAMPA33634MATRO SUBARU SUPERSTORE813-880-5954
HIKAILUA-KONA96740KONA MAZDA SUBARU808 329 4141
HIKAILUA-KONA96740KONA MAZDA-SUBARU808-329-5274
NYPLATTSBURGH12901BILL MCBRIDE518-561-7010
TXDICKENSON77539MCREE SUBARU281-614-1130